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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | OCTOBER 2021 3 Home Security, what it means to you How much home security do you require to feel safe? With today's technology, a homeowner can add as much or as little as they can afford and feel comfortable with. If you were among the new home construction purchasers, the sales staff promoted the 24/7 security patrol as a top selling point. However, that was very deceptive. In truth, the service is provided for the security of the Clubhouse and all common areas of the community. This is required in the HOA Governing Documents. Every homeowner is responsible for the security and safety of their own property. Currently, our service is also patrolling the residential streets as a means of showing a presence to deter any unlawful or malicious activity in the community, but they are only able to observe and report any unlawful activity seen. If you think about it, what are the chances of them being at your house at the exact time you need them to "observe and report?" If this situation is worrisome to you, there are a number of security measures you can take to secure and protect your own property. Take as many or as few precautions as needed to make yourself feel safe and secure in your home. Outside: Consider installing an audio/video door bell system with or without monthly monitoring services, motion-activated lighting in side and backyard areas, home security system with all or some of the following: outside motion activated cameras, window and door alarms with 24-hour service. Add a pad lock on your electrical box. Leave garage carriage lights and porch light on at night. Inside: install a security system, dead bolt locks on all entry doors. Insert dowel sticks in all windows when going on vacations so they can't be slid open. Notify your neighborhood Block Captain and your next-door neighbor when going on vacation as to when you are leaving and when you will be home along with a contact phone number. Use a couple of electrical timers to turn lights on and off at night so it looks like someone is home. Never ever open your door day or night to someone you don't know. An audio/video door bell system allows you to see and talk to the person without opening the door even when you are not home. If in trouble, need help or see an incident, always, always call police or 911 first. GOING ON VACATION? The Hemet Police Department offers a free "Vacation Property Check" program. All you have to do is fill out and submit the proper request form (gorms available at the Hemet Mall Police Substation or the Main Station). They will have a volunteer (driving a marked police cruiser) come by your home every so often to check your doors and windows looking for anything suspicious. Just think if everyone going on vacation did this how often we would have a police cruiser driving through our community. That would sure make me feel safer. Message from the Board By Linda Weiss, SDV Board Member

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